The head coach of EpicenterSerhiy Nagornyak told us how the team from Khmelnytskyi reacted to the latest decision of the UAF Executive Committee.
- To be honest, we did not expect this decision. We were planning a sparring session on the 26th, but there will be an official game. "Minaj will definitely not like this decision. Everyone thought that they would be launched. This is a plus for us.
- Didn't you hope that the UAF would follow the minority of UPL clubs that supported the tournament of four?
- I was calm about it. We held the first training session, after which the guys said: there will be a bullet. We calculated that these matches would take place at the end of the month. We see it as another chance to fight for the UPL.
One can argue a lot about whether this decision is fair, because Metalist 1925 and Minaj were eliminated directly on a sporting basis. Why not draw a match between Epicenter and Left Bank, who had a legitimate chance to compete for the UPL? There were different opinions. I think that this decision of the Executive Committee will satisfy everyone except Minaj. If we approach this abstractly, even though I am a stakeholder, the Executive Committee made a balanced decision.
- What is the current personnel situation in the team?
- We are preparing for the season. When we realized that there would be no Cup, we started preparing for the first round of the first league. We played two sparring matches with UPL teams that were at their own level of readiness. We are in more or less good condition.
- And what about transfers?
- Six left - three came. "Zaporozhets, Protsiv and Ravlyk joined Epicenter. We are short-staffed. We are looking for three more. We want to find a qualified player, but there may be issues with the TCC. To take a young player, you need to wait, teach, work with him. Everything is not so simple. We still have three vacancies. Last year, we also held the positions, which eventually were filled by quality players - Kravchuk and Alibekov.
- What position is in dire need of strengthening?
- Any coach wants to strengthen every position. Now the emphasis is on the central axis. For me, the main thing is to preserve the backbone of the team. The situation is similar to that of "Left Bank", which is being strengthened in some places. "Metalist 1925 can afford to invite top-class players. "Minaj" has upgraded, made money on the moment. We will try to put up a fight.
Oleksandr Karpenko